Automatic holder for key caps

Abstract

A cup shaped holder for transporting and installing a key cap on a key switch in a keyboard. The holder has an open end and resilient side walls for closely receiving the upper portion of a key cap. The closed end of the holder is at an angle to the direction of movement of the holder and is adapted to engage the upper surface of the key cap to more nearly align the cap with the key switch when the cap is pressed on the switch by the holder.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for transporting and installing a key cap on a key switch, comprising a holder movable along a generally vertical path toward and away from said key switch, said holder having an open lower end and resilient side walls shaped to closely confine an upper region of the key cap, said holder further having a generally planar upper end spaced from its open end, said planar upper end being disposed at an angle of about 2.6° to the horizontal, the side walls of said holder being sufficiently flexible to permit the top surface of a key cap to come in contact with said end wall when the key cap is pressed onto said key switch. 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said holder has a partial vacuum therein to assist in holding the key cap in said holder. 
     
     
       3. Apparatus for transporting and installing a key cap comprising a cup shaped holder having walls made of elastomeric material, said holder being movable along a path toward a key switch to which said cap is to be installed, said holder having its open end disposed toward said key switch with the walls thereof sloping inwardly and away from the key switch, the walls of said holder being shaped to closely confine the upper portion of a key cap, said holder being further characterized in having a generally planar end spaced from its open end, said planar being disposed at an angle of about 87.4° from the path of movement of the holder, the walls of said holder being sufficiently flexible to permit the top surface of a key cap to come in contact with said planar end when the key cap is pressed onto said key switch by said holder. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said holder has a partial vacuum therein to assist in holding said key cap in said holder.